Health district urges e-cigarette restrictions

The sale of electronic cigarettes to minors should be banned, according to a resolution from the Spokane Regional Health District.

The devices are designed as cigarette look-alikes, though they deliver nicotine in the form of a vapor rather than burning tobacco.

Electronic cigarettes are marketed as a smoking cessation tool. But health officials are wary of the claims and the safety of the liquid chemicals that are inhaled as vapor.

The health district’s resolution calls for county officials to outlaw the sale of the devices and component parts to minors. The resolution also seeks to limit the marketing of electronic cigarettes to minors. It’s the first of its kind in the country, according to the health district.